Uzbekistan - Domestic trade

Although dominated by state-owned stores and distribution channels under
the Soviet economy, retailing has seen a marked shift toward private
business. Since 1992, thousands of small businesses have been privatized
or leased to worker collectives, with the most progress in retail trade,
consumer services, public catering, and local industry. However, the
shift from state-control to a free market economy continues to move at a
very slow pace. Urban markets provide an important outlet for the sale
of vegetables and other foodstuffs. Government restrictions on trade and
foreign investment have hindered the economy. Black market trade is
still available.